Christan Laymen Corps
Thrift Store
by Karen Fetter
What started out as a dream written into a journal nearly 35 years ago has
turned into a successful outreach program. The Christian Laymen Corps
thrift shop focuses on the needy in Westmoreland County and surrounding areas to
help them with clothing, furniture, and other articles donated by churches,
individuals and community groups. Founder Charlie Cunningham and his wife,
Aline, believe in what they do and are committed to supporting those in the
community.
"I am very happy to help people, especially those who really need it," said
Charlie.
The Christian Laymen Corps thrift shop, an interdenominational and non-profit
organization, is located at 258 East Pittsburgh Street in Greensburg. The
store covers two buildings that are filled with donated supplies that the needy
can purchase for a low cost. Items include clothing for women, children,
and men. There are also books, furniture, toys, linens, and flea market
items. In addition to goods there is a chapel that people can turn to when
they are in need.
"I established three rules here because this is interdenominational. No
one can preach, no one can theologize, and we all have to celebrate Jesus as
brothers and sisters," said Charlie.
In addition, there is an emergency food pantry that serves close to 300 families
each month. And the store also honors vouchers from over 94 organizations
in the area to help needy families. The store does not charge the person a
fee if he or she has a voucher. Since the store opened in April of 2001,
the store has given to 4, 385 families.
"We are here to give merchandise to people who need it, not to make money," said
Charlie. "The money we earn from the store helps us with the costs
associated with the store and with our trucks."
Charlie is fortunate to have over 50 volunteers that help him run the store.
However, he is currently looking for more people who could donate their time to
help the store grow and help more people.
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The Christian Laymen Corps originally started as a men's prayer breakfast
group in 1983. There were just a few men who would get together on a
monthly basis and talk about their faith. But all along Charlie Cunningham
felt they needed an outreach. Shortly afterwards, he became aware of an
outreach in Kentucky called the Christian Appalachian Project (CAP). It
interested him and he went to Kentucky to meet with them. Charlie then
agreed to gather needed goods and ship the items to them. He currently
operates Springhill Furniture in Greensburg. He had a collection station
set up there and he was overwhelmed with donated items. After a year the
CAP encouraged him to go independent because he gathered so many goods.
Charlie asked himself, "How can I do this?" That is when he thought of
having the thrift store.
"From the day we opened our doors it has been a complete success and it keeps
growing," said Charlie.
There are four truckloads of clothing and furniture gathered each day. The
need for helping others continues to grow. Charlie is currently working on
a project that will begin in 2008 to will help children of abused homes.
For each donation of $300 a child will receive a new bed and dresser for free.
These are high quality products that will go to great use. If you or your
organization is interested in making a donation for this project, please call
Charlie at 724-834-4464.
Donations and other monies are needed as well for building renovations to
increase the space for more items. Recently, the store renovated the
exterior of the building by replacing the two signs and repairing the original
brick work on the outside of the building. If you feel like you can help
the Christian Laymen Corps do not delay and call Charlie today at 724-834-4464
or stop in at 258 East Pittsburgh Street in Greensburg.
There is still more to do so any help would be greatly
appreciated.
If you are interested in giving of
your time, please call Charlie Cunningham
at 724-834-4464.
Hours of operation for the Christian Laymen Corps thrift shop are Monday through
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.